continuing with the alphabetical journey around Burlington....
Burlington's community museum is a replica of the original homestead of Joseph Brant (1742-1807) also known by his Mohawk name of Thayendanegea. He became the city's original settler when granted 3,400 acres of land at the 'head-of-the-lake' by King George III, awarded for his services as a Mohawk and British captain to the Crown during the Seven Years War and the American Revolution. The rest of the land is where the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital now sits.
The Civic Holiday in August is locally called Joseph Brant Day.
"He was a noble figure who dedicated his life to advancement of his people. While he understood and accepted the European world as transplanted to America, he maintained his integrity as an Indian."
A convert to Christianity, Brant spent his later years living quietly at his magnificent house at Burlington Bay in an English style and translated parts of the bible into Mohawk.
There is also a time capsule that will be opened during the city's 200th anniversary.
information from UpperCanadaHistory.ca
18 comments:
I'll have to visit sometime; Burlington's not THAT far from Albany.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
What a fascinating bit of history! I'd like to visit this some day!
What an interesting man, it looks as though he spanned the two cultures perfectly; lovely house. At first I thought you meant he had left a time capsule, until I saw the dates. I wonder what he would have put in one to have been opened now.
Another place I'd like to visit.
a fascinating post. to witness the opening of the time capsule would be an interesting experience.
I never knew any of that!
i like the sign, very eye-catching.
Great sign.
I have driven past this and often wondered what was inside the museum - is it set up as his house might have been when he lived there? Or maybe filled with military stuff?
I hope you can complete the alphabet of the places you document.
It takes a lot of patience and I congratulate you.
Just curious, is there something inside the capsule?
I cannot find what is in the time capsule - will have to dig a little more, I guess!
@Lesley, there is a permanent display of early life in Burlington and many paintings of Jo Brant. There is also a room that has a revolving exhibit and a room for children's activities.
Hmmm... the man was clearly very successful and I have no issues with mixed cultures, so no disrespect intended, but I have difficulty imagining the man with the headdress pictured on the sign living in that house. :-)
Sounds like a fun place to visit. :)
I'd love to visit this -- and I need to read more about Joseph Brant. Was he in fact a Mohawk Indian? Or just a good friend of the Tribe? Off to read more.
Joseph Brant is a fascinating historical character who has always intrigued me. You have so many interesting places near you.
that's an interesting piece of history!
I need to make a note to visit that museum some day!
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